Why Skylight/UV Filters are essential kit

10 Jan 2006

Filters are pieces of glass or plastic that sit in front of your camera's lens to alter qualities of the light entering it. Some filters screw directly onto the end of the lens or onto an adapter, while others slide into a holder mounted in front of the lens. Some high-end lenses even have slots in the lens body for the filters to fit into.

In the case of Skylight or UV filters you should only consider the screw on type and it is a good idea to look for one that is specifically matched to your lens. Spend more and get yourself a good quality multicoated filter, there's no point spending a fortune on a high-end lens only to stick a cheap, poorly made filter in front of it. Cheap filters can contribute to flare and may cause more headaches that they solve (but using a lens hood reduces the chances of flare occuring). Having said that, even a cheap UV filter is better than none at all.

Skylight or UV filters are essential pieces of kit for every digital photographer. If you're buying a new digital camera I would strongly advise you to immediately purchase one to fit to it (Shopping checklist: Camera, memory card, UV filter). If you use a digital SLR then make sure you get a filter for each lens in your arsnal. If two of your lenses accept the same size filter, get two filters. Don't share one filter between the two lenses.

So, why are Skylight or UV filters essential?

1. They protect your lens
   The lens of your camera is a delicate instrument. The front element of your lens is the most exposed part and is easily scratched or otherwise damaged. You should NEVER, EVER use your finger, your shirt, or the grubby tissue in your pocket to clean it. By fitting a Skylight or UV filter permanently to the front of your lens you protect the front element, and should damage occur it's far cheaper to replace a filter than to have a lens repaired.
   
   These filters don't reduce the amount of light entering the lens or alter it in any way that might be thought of as unwanted, so you can leave them on your lens at all times without concern.
   
   
2. They cut through haze
   The real purpose of a Skylight or UV filter is to filter out ultra violet light. On bright, sunny days UV haze can cause distant objects to look slightly blue. The effect may be more pronounced when shooting with a long lens due to the compressed perspective they produce.
   
   
3. They can reduce fringing
   If your digital camera is prone to purple fringing in areas of an image where there is high contrast, a UV filter can help reduce or even eliminate the problem.

Happy shooting!

This article is © Copyright 2005, Emotive Images, and may not be copied, reproduced, hosted on another site or used in derivitave works without the prior written permission of the author.